Niue Island, South Pacific

Our host Clarke Gayford has been here 5 times and the FISH OF THE DAY film crew three times.

Needless to say, we love the place.

Q: So what makes "The Rock" so special? A: The people.

Niueans are the friendliest folk on the planet and all 1100 of them living on the island will leave a mark on your visit. From the compulsory wave to every car that passes to the conversations on the street. It's safe and, for an island of its size, there is a remarkable amount of things to do. You'll have plenty of opportunity to just that because here in Niue your cell phone wont roam. So exploring rather than face booking is what this destination is all about. Over there winter (tourist season) expect temperatures are around 20-28 degrees Celsius.

Culture

The islanders are Polynesian and of mainly Samoan and Tongan ancestry. There are 14 main villages on the island and Niue’s less than 1100 residents enjoy dual citizenship, as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. They are bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English.

Fishing

The fishing is insane. Imagine the sea as a huge desert largely devoid of life. Then in the middle of nowhere a rock reaches up from the seafloor over 5 kilometres below. It is an oasis of life and attracts every wandering pelagic from miles. Over the winter or tourist season large numbers of Wahoo, Yellowfin, Mahimahi can be found congregating around the FADs literally just metres from shore. Blue Marlin too are abundant. Fishing is from small boats as you are seldom more than 1000m from the coast.

Diving

It is one of the smallest countries in the world, and one of the largest raised coral atolls on earth. The result is very little run off and, in combination with the islands isolation from others, the water clarity here can be some of the best in the South Pacific. Expect visibility from 30 to 70 metres! Water temp 22-26 degrees Celsius. Coral dives, caves, walls and Humpback Whales. We can't recommend this place enough!

Where to stay

There are a number of options here: firstly the Scenic Matavai Resort is very very good and the main accommodation on the island. You can watch the whales from your hotel room! Down the road Lau's Getaway has spectacular fully self-contained houses right over the water. In addition there are a number of motels and cottages dotted around the island. We can find a package to suit although, during the high season some places will be fully booked.